TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a rubber track traveling device, and more particularly
to a rubber track traveling device which ensures straight traveling.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A rubber track traveling device of the present invention will be described below
in connection with a friction-drive type rubber track. Steel cords serving as tension
reinforcing materials are embedded in a rubber elastic body, which has ends, in a
longitudinal direction thereof. An endless rubber track is formed by overlapping the
steel cords at the ends of the rubber elastic body. Guides are formed at predetermined
intervals at a center of the rubber elastic body on an inner side thereof, while lugs
are formed on an outer side of the rubber elastic body.
[0003] Even when rubber tracks look the same at the first glance, slight difference in the
length in a transverse direction, presence of twists, or difference in the tension
of the steel cords is inevitable.
[0004] For this reason, it has been suggested that, when each of the rubber tracks is mounted
to a vehicle, the properties (characteristics) of the rubber track be understood first,
and then the orientation of an idler wheel of the vehicle be adjusted in accordance
with the properties of the rubber track.
[0005] Fig. 1 is a conceptual view of a rubber track traveling device. A rubber track 4
is entrained around an idler wheel 1, a drive wheel 2 and wheels 3. Fig. 2 is a view
showing the state of the rubber track traveling device on a ground-contact surface.
In Fig. 2, reference numeral 5 indicates guides formed at predetermined intervals
on an inner peripheral surface of the rubber track 4 at a center thereof. Namely,
the idler wheel 1, the drive wheel 2 and the wheels 3 travel at both sides of the
guides 5. When the vehicle and the rubber track 4 do not travel in identical directions,
the guides 5 collide with the respective wheels (1, 2 and 3). As a result, wear of
the guides 5 increases, thereby decreasing the life of the rubber track 4.
[0006] Normally, an adjustment mechanism 6 may be provided at the idler wheels 1 in order
to orient the direction of the rubber track 4 to the direction of the vehicle. Specifically,
a mechanism which can adjust the orientation of the idler wheels 1 (in directions
indicated by arrows) is provided in order to compensate for the characteristics of
each rubber track.
[0007] However, in examining the causes of uneven wear of the guides 5 of the rubber track
4, it is found that the greatest effects occur when the guides 5 enter under the drive
wheels 2, which are heavy and have a large diameter (i.e., the portion surrounded
by a dotted line). Namely, even if the orientation of the rubber track 4 is adjusted
at the idler wheels 1 as in the conventional art, this adjustment force does not last
until it reaches the drive wheels 2 since the distance from the idler wheels 1 to
the drive wheels 2 is long. As a result, the rubber track 4 proceeds in a different
direction or meanders. Thus, uneven contact of the guides 5 with the drive wheels
2 at the portion surrounded by the dotted line is inevitable, and uneven wear of the
guides 5 increases.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0008] In light of the above-described conventional technology, an object of the present
invention is to adjust the direction, meandering and the like of the rubber track,
particularly in relation to the drive wheels so that the contact between the guides
and the drive wheels becomes normal.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
[0009] In summary, the present invention provides a rubber track traveling device comprising:
an idler wheel provided at a vehicle; a drive wheel; a wheel provided between the
idler wheel and the drive wheel on a ground-contact surface side; and a rubber track
entrained around the idler wheel, the drive wheel and the wheel, wherein an adjustment
mechanism for orienting the direction of the rubber track to the direction of the
vehicle is provided at the idler wheel and/or the wheel.
[0010] As for the wheel, the adjustment mechanism is preferably provided at the wheel closest
to the drive wheel. Means for adjusting the orientation of shafts supporting the idler
wheel and the wheel is a specific example of the adjustment mechanism.
EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The rubber track traveling device of the present invention has the above-described
structure and preferably includes a plurality of adjustment mechanisms in order to
orient the direction of the rubber track to the direction of the vehicle. With this
structure, uneven wear of the guides is significantly reduced and, consequently, the
life of the rubber track is greatly improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012]
Fig. 1 is a conceptual view of a conventional rubber track traveling device.
Fig. 2 is a view showing the state of the rubber track traveling device of Fig. 1
on a ground-contact surface.
Fig. 3 is a view showing the state of a rubber track traveling device of the present
invention on a ground-contact surface.
Fig. 4 is a view showing a first embodiment of an adjustment mechanism.
Fig. 5 is a view showing a second embodiment of the adjustment mechanism.
Fig. 6 is a side view showing a third embodiment of the adjustment mechanism.
Fig. 7 is a plan view of Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a fourth embodiment of the adjustment mechanism.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0013] In the present invention, as described above, adjustment is preferably carried out
at two portions. Particularly, when an adjustment function is provided at the wheel
closest to the drive wheel, influence of the drive wheel on the guides can be minimized,
and thus uneven wear of the guides can be prevented. Namely, even if adjustment is
performed at the idler wheel, it is inevitable that the rubber track, which has passed
the plurality of wheels, is slightly displaced from the original adjustment. Thus,
the adjustment mechanism is normally provided at the wheels as well to correct the
orientation of the rubber track, such that the rubber track is moved to the drive
wheel with the best orientation possible. In this way, uneven wear of the guides can
be significantly reduced.
[0014] Adjustment of the idler wheel and/or the wheel can be carried out in no other way
than by trial and error because the adjustment varies according to the properties
of the rubber track. Thus, the easiest process for adjustment is as follows. First,
the rubber track is entrained around the respective wheels. Thereafter, the rubber
track is made to travel straight several hundred meters. Then, the temperature of
side surfaces of the guides of the rubber track is used to determine the friction
thereof. Finally, based on the results, adjustment is sequentially carried out until
an optimum value is obtained.
[0015] A specific embodiment of the adjustment mechanism is an adjustment mechanism including:
a shaft supporting a pair of idler wheels and/or wheels; a connecting member connected
to the shaft at a proximal end thereof; a shaft supporting the connecting member at
a central portion thereof so that the connecting member is rotatable in a horizontal
direction relative to the vehicle; a frame fixed to the vehicle and accommodating
a distal end of the connecting member; and adjusting screws disposed at sides of the
frame and being movable in the horizontal direction so as to be able to change the
orientation of the distal end of the connecting member.
[0016] A second embodiment is an adjustment mechanism including: a shaft supporting a pair
of idler wheels and/or wheels; a horizontal rod extending the shaft; a frame fixed
to the vehicle and accommodating the horizontal rod; and adjusting screws disposed
at sides of the frame and being movable in a horizontal direction so as to be able
to change the orientation of the horizontal rod.
[0017] A third embodiment is an adjustment mechanism including: a shaft supporting a pair
of idler wheels and/or wheels; a vertical rod connected to the shaft; a connecting
member connected to the vertical rod; a frame fixed to the vehicle and accommodating
the connecting member; and adjusting screws disposed at sides of the frame and being
movable in a horizontal direction so as to be able to change the orientation of a
distal end of the connecting member.
First Embodiment
[0018] The present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the
drawings. A conceptual view of the rubber track traveling device of the present invention
is the same as Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view showing the state of the rubber track traveling
device on a ground-contact surface. Reference numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the
drawings are defined as described above, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention is a structure in which the adjustment mechanism
6 (for adjustment in directions indicated by the arrows) is provided at the idler
wheels 1 and at least wheels 30 closest to the drive wheels 2. Because of this structure,
straight traveling and the like of the rubber track are adjusted twice, i.e., at the
idler wheels 1 and the wheels 30. As a result, the rubber track contacts the drive
wheels 2 with a desirable orientation, thereby significantly reducing (uneven) wear
of the rubber track.
[0020] Fig. 4 is a view showing a first specific embodiment of the adjustment mechanism
6. The adjustment mechanism 6 which is provided at the idler wheels 1 will now be
described. A connecting member 8 is provided at a shaft 7 supporting the idler wheels
1, and a proximal end 8a of the connecting member 8 is connected to the shaft 7. Further,
the connecting member 8 is supported by a shaft 91 at a central portion of the connecting
member 8 so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction. A distal end 8b of the connecting
member 8 is accommodated in a frame 101 fixed to a vehicle. Adjusting screws 111,
112 are provided at sides of the frame 101. The adjusting screws 111, 112 are adjusted
so as to move and position the connecting member 8, whereby the orientation of the
idler wheels 1 is adjusted.
[0021] More specifically, by adjusting the adjusting screws 111, 112 in direction A, the
distal end 8b of the connecting member 8 is oriented in the direction A and the proximal
end 8a is oriented in direction B. Thus, the shaft 7 connected to the proximal end
8a is oriented in the direction B, and the idler wheels 1, 1 are also oriented in
the direction B. This adjustment is repeated to achieve a desired orientation.
Second Embodiment
[0022] Fig. 5 is a view showing a second embodiment of the adjustment mechanism 6. In the
second embodiment, the shaft 7 supporting the wheels 3 (30) is extended, and a horizontal
portion (extended portion) 70 thereof is supported by a shaft 92 so as to be rotatable
relative to a vehicle. The horizontal portion 70 is accommodated in a frame 102 as
in the first embodiment. The adjusting screws 111, 112 are adjusted so as to change
the orientation of the horizontal portion 70, whereby the orientation of the wheels
3 is adjusted. A specific process for adjustment is carried out as described in the
previous paragraph. In this case, two pairs of the adjusting screws, i.e., the adjusting
screws 111, 112 and adjusting screws 113, 114, are provided to enable fine adjustment
of the orientation of a frame 12, which also enables fine adjustment of the orientation
of the wheels 3, 3.
Third Embodiment
[0023] Figs. 6 and 7 are views showing a third specific embodiment of the adjustment mechanism
6. In the third embodiment, a vertical shaft 93 is provided at the shaft 7 which supports
the wheels 30 closest to the drive wheels 2. A connecting member (the frame 12 in
this embodiment) is connected to the vertical shaft 93 and supported by a frame 13,
which accommodates the frame 12 and is fixed to a vehicle, so as to be rotatable relative
to the vehicle. The adjusting screws 111, 112, 113 and 114 are provided at sides of
the frame 13 and adjusted so as to position the frame 12, whereby the orientation
of the wheels 3 is adjusted. A specific process for adjustment is carried out as described
in the previous paragraph. In this case, two pairs of the adjusting screws, i.e.,
the adjusting screws 111, 112 and the adjusting screws 113, 114, are provided to enable
fine adjustment of the orientation of the frame 12, which also enables fine adjustment
of the orientation of the wheels 3, 3. Fourth Embodiment
[0024] Fig. 8 is a view showing another configuration of the third specific embodiment of
the adjustment mechanism 6. The vertical shaft 93 is provided at the shaft 7 supporting,
for example, wheels 31 which are the center pair of three pairs of wheels 3. The vertical
shaft 93 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to a vehicle. Further, the frame
12 which is significantly long in the horizontal direction is fixed to the vertical
shaft 93. The frame 13 fixed to the vehicle covers the frame 12. The adjusting screws
111, 112, 113 and 114 are provided at sides of the frame 13 in a transverse direction
thereof. The adjusting screws 111, 112, 113 and 114 are adjusted so as to position
the frame 12, whereby the orientation of the wheels 3 is adjusted. In this case, the
elongated shape of the frame 13 in the transverse direction enables extremely fine
adjustment with the adjusting screws. A specific process for adjustment is carried
out as described in the previous paragraph. In this case, two pairs of the adjusting
screws, i.e., the adjusting screws 111, 112 and the adjusting screws 113, 114, are
provided to enable finer adjustment of the orientation of the frame 12, which also
enables finer adjustment of the orientation of the wheels 3, 3.
[0025] Although the case in which the adjustment mechanism is provided at either the idler
wheels 1 or the wheels 3 is described in the above embodiments, a similar adjustment
mechanism can also be obtained by using this mechanism at both the idler wheels 1
and the wheels 3.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0026] The rubber track traveling device of the present invention preferably includes a
plurality of adjustment mechanisms in order to orient the direction of the rubber
track to the direction of the vehicle. With this structure, uneven wear of the guides
is significantly reduced. Thus, the adjustment mechanism can be applied not only to
low-speed rubber track traveling devices but also to rubber tracks for relatively
high-speed vehicles such as off-road vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0027]
- 1:
- idler wheel
- 2:
- drive wheel
- 3, 30, 31:
- wheels
- 4:
- rubber track
- 5:
- guides
- 6:
- adjustment mechanism
- 7,
- 70: shafts supporting the idler wheel
- 8:
- connecting member
- 8a:
- proximal end of the connecting member
- 8b:
- distal end of the connecting member
- 91, 92, 93 :
- shafts
- 101, 102, 12:
- frames
- 111, 112, 113, 114:
- adjusting screws
- 12:
- frame fixed to a vertical rod
- 13:
- frame fixed to a vehicle
1. A rubber track traveling device comprising:
an idler wheel provided at a vehicle;
a drive wheel;
a wheel provided between the idler wheel and the drive wheel on a ground-contact surface
side; and
a rubber track entrained around the idler wheel, the drive wheel and the wheel,
wherein an adjustment mechanism for orienting the direction of the rubber track to
the direction of the vehicle is provided at the idler wheel and/or the wheel.
2. The rubber track traveling device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism
is provided at the wheel closest to the drive wheel.
3. The rubber track traveling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment
mechanism adjusts the orientation of a shaft supporting the idler wheel and/or the
wheel.
4. The rubber track traveling device according to claims 1 to 3,
wherein the adjustment mechanism includes: a shaft supporting a pair of idler wheels
and/or wheels; a connecting member connected to the shaft at a proximal end thereof;
a shaft supporting the connecting member at a central portion thereof so that the
connecting member is rotatable in a horizontal direction relative to the vehicle;
a frame fixed to the vehicle and accommodating a distal end of the connecting member;
and adjusting screws disposed at sides of the frame and being movable in the horizontal
direction so as to be able to change the orientation of the distal end of the connecting
member.
5. The rubber track traveling device according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustment
mechanism includes: a shaft supporting a pair of idler wheels and/or wheels; a horizontal
rod extending the shaft; a frame fixed to the vehicle and accommodating the horizontal
rod; and adjusting screws disposed at sides of the frame and being movable in a horizontal
direction so as to be able to change the orientation of the distal end of the horizontal
rod.
6. The rubber track traveling device according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustment
mechanism includes: a shaft supporting a pair of idler wheels and/or wheels; a vertical
rod connected to the shaft; a connecting member connected to the vertical rod; a frame
fixed to the vehicle and accommodating the connecting member; and adjusting screws
disposed at sides of the frame and being movable in a horizontal direction so as to
be able to change the orientation of the distal end of the connecting member.